Clearing 2022: Change of heart sees outstanding Olivia find “second home”
Law LLB graduate Olivia describes Leicester as a “second home” after a change of heart during her A-levels.
Olivia, from Manchester, hadn’t originally included the University of Leicester among her initial five choices. But midway through her A-level exams she decided to re-assess her options.
“After I sat my sixth exam something just felt off,” she said. “I felt like I was not going to get into my first-choice university and I was no longer keen on my second choice.
“Having spoken to a family member who had recently graduated, I told my mum that I wanted to visit Leicester and, despite her objections – and with the help of a keen Law student ambassador – I decided that Leicester was the place for me.”
But having already selected her firm and insurance choices through UCAS, Olivia was faced with the option of deferring a year, or waiting for her A-level results and entering the Clearing process.
She continued: “I had decided that even if I did get into my first choice, I was going to study in Leicester. On results day I called the Clearing line within 15 minutes of my results being released and secured my spot.”
Moving down the country, Olivia moved into University accommodation for her first year of study and immediately felt like she had found somewhere she felt welcome.
“Out of all the universities I had visited, coming to Leicester was the first time that I felt a homely feeling,” she explained.
“Maybe it was the size of the city, considering I am from a large one myself, but it just felt like home. Leicester is now a second home.”
Olivia also managed to bag a picture with Leicestershire-born actor and honorary graduate Richard Armitage outside De Montfort Hall.
Olivia graduated in 2022 and has a place to start her Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Law this September, while already gaining experience with high-street law firm Slater & Gordon.
“The goal after that is to work my way up the ladder to make partner, and have that big corner office with the floor-to-ceiling windows … a little like Harvey Specter from Suits,” she laughed.
Turn Clearing confusion into calm. Change is calling! Visit le.ac.uk/clearing or call 0116 373 6000.